STEVE Head, the Carnforth rally ace, has been chosen by the Motor Sports Association and the Lilleshall Sports Injury and Human Performance Centre as a finalist in rallying's newest initiative.

The 'Fit to be Champion' initiative will teach 20 young rally drivers the importance of fitness and diet.

Aimed at 18 to 26 year olds, Fit to be Champion is designed to provide the physical and mental attributes needed for success at the highest level of rallying. The programme includes elements of fitness testing, training, mental preparation and sports science.

Allan Dean-Lewis, MSA Training and development Executive, commented: "With 60 entries from the whole of the UK, the quality of applicants was exceptionally high.

"The selection panel spent a lot of time studying each application in considerable detail before coming to their final decisions." The programme commences with a two day assessment at Lilleshall in May. Comprehensive physical tests will be completed at the centre's laboratory, where Steve will be provided with a full report and personalised training advice. Nutritional assessments will be undertaken to determine eating habits; these will be used to advise on nutritional needs.

A sports psychologist who will produce tailored advice on the most suitable mental approach to competition will interview Head. Individual training programmes will be evaluated and updated by assessments in August and November 2000.

"It was great to be chosen for this initiative", says Steve. "I know that I'm reasonably fit, but I need to work on a few areas. Hopefully this programme will show me where I need to improve and give me edge on my competitors."

The next event for Head and co-driver Andrew Dugdale will be the Carlisle based Pirelli International Rally on May 6 and 7.

The Team Penguin duo will be battling for honours in their Teng Tools backed Proton Compact.